Ystradgynlais Train Walk
On Saturday 13 June, The National Autistic Society Cymru (NAS Cymru) Ystradgynlais Branch held its inaugural Thomas & Friends Train Walk. The event took place at Diamond Park in Ystradgynlais, and was based on the classic Thomas & Friends books and characters.
The Train Walk saw local families and friends walk one mile together in a long train to help raise vital funds for the NAS Cymru Ystradgynlais branch. Funds raised will go towards providing branch services such as parent-to-parent support, awareness events, local campaigning and family activities.
Many children with autism have a particular love of Thomas & Friends. Recent research revealed that a number parents felt that the characters played a significant role in their child's early learning and development. For children who may have little or no understanding of emotions, body language and facial expressions, the bright colours and clear facial expressions make the characters easy to identify and relate to.
Lisa Rappado, NAS Cymru Ystradgynlais Branch Officer, said:
"Our first ever Train Walk was a fantastic event, giving a number of people affected by autism in the area the chance to socialise, have some exercise in the sunshine, and raise money for the Ystradgynlais NAS branch. Autism is much more common than most people think it affects over 26,000 people in Wales. Events like this help people affected by autism to come together, but also help us raise awareness of the condition to others in the community. I would like to thank everyone who contributed their support will go some way to help us carry on providing support and awareness locally."